Monomyth Diaries
Self-Improvement
About
Monomyth Diaries, hosted by Rachel Leon and Mandi Jones, is a podcast where real stories inspire personal growth. Through honest and heartfelt experiences—free of advice or experts—we foster connection, validation, and new perspectives. Each episode invites you to listen, relate, and embrace your own journey.
Episodes
- The Archives: Ep 10 - Christina: Young Motherhood, Facing Life’s Challenges and Heartbreak (part 1 of 2)
Christina recounts her experiences as a young mother at 14, navigating challenges like family conflict, poverty, and loss, including the SIDS death of her child. The episode focuses on her journey of resilience, healing, and personal growt…
- Bonus 29: Season 2 Finale - Moments That Mattered
In the Season 2 finale of Monomyth Diaries, hosts Mandi and Rachel reflect on the defining moments, personal growth, and guest stories from the past season. They also discuss their plans for a summer break and look forward to the upcoming…
- Ep 45 - Keeley: It takes G.R.I.T. Breaking Generational Curses (part 2 of 2)
In this episode of Monomyth Diaries, Keeley Bell discusses his journey of rebuilding his life after hitting rock bottom. He details how sobriety, faith, and accountability helped him break generational curses and foster personal transforma…
- Ep 44 - Keeley: Hovering Above Rock Bottom (part 1 of 2)
In this episode of Monomyth Diaries, Keeley Bell discusses his experiences with generational trauma, substance abuse, and seeking transformation after his wife left him. He shares his story of overcoming childhood adversity and the challen…
- Ep 43 - Sam: Storms Don’t Define You: Lessons from Hurricane Harvey
In this episode of Monomyth Diaries, Sam Golubic discusses her experience losing her home during Hurricane Harvey. She shares lessons on resilience, rebuilding, and how the loss affected her perspective.
- Bonus 28: Embracing the Monomyth (Originally recorded on the Good Morning Minute)
This episode features Mandi, host of Monomyth Diaries, discussing her personal healing journey, commitment to faith-centered growth, and the inspiration behind her podcast.
- Ep 42 - Paul: Redeemed for a Reason (Part 2 of 2)
In the second part of his story on Monomyth Diaries, Paul Leslie discusses his journey of personal transformation, rebuilding his life after hitting a breaking point, and entering into ministry. He shares his experiences with finding love,…
- Ep 41 - Paul: Collapse Before Calling (Part 1 of 2)
In this episode of Monomyth Diaries, Paul Leslie shares his personal history involving childhood trauma, addiction, instability, and military service. This is the first part of a two-part series exploring how unhealed wounds affect lives a…
- Ep 40 - Sam: A Collection of Experiences
This episode of Monomyth Diaries features Sam, who recounts her experience surviving a life-altering triple aneurysm at 37. She shares how this near-death experience led her to rediscover her purpose and transform her massage therapy pract…
- BONUS 27: Unbreakable-Rachel's Story of Faith, Strength, and Redemption (Originally recorded on Beyond Beauty with Stephanie)
In this bonus episode of Monomyth Diaries, guest Rachel shares her testimony, recounting her journey from a difficult childhood and teenage assault to choosing life, raising her daughter, and finding redemption through faith. She is now a…
- Ep 39 - Tara: Walking Through the Hard Together (Part 2 of 2)
In this episode of Monomyth Diaries, Tara discusses her personal transformation through faith, counseling, and discipline, including completing the 75 Hard challenge. She shares how intentional partnership and daily practices helped her fo…
- Ep 38 - Tara: Patterns of Pain and Glimpses of Hope (Part 1 of 2)
In this episode of Monomyth Diaries, guest Tara Bell shares her personal journey through family struggles, bullying, and heartbreak. She discusses the importance of self-awareness and accountability as catalysts for her personal transforma…
- Ep 37 - Sam: The Decision To Be Different
In this episode of Monomyth Diaries, Sam Golubic discusses her decision to break away from the patterns of her upbringing. She explains how she transformed challenges from her past into a life of independence, adaptability, and strength af…
- BONUS 26: What is the Monomyth Diaries(updated from August 2024)
In this updated trailer for Monomyth Diaries, original creator Mandi and new co-host Rachel explain the show's mission, origin, and purpose. They discuss the transformative power of sharing personal journeys and how the podcast has evolved…
- Ep 36 - Evan: Shaped by Scouting
In this episode of Monomyth Diaries, Evan discusses how participating in Scouting provided guidance, character development, and a sense of belonging following the early loss of his father. The conversation explores the impact of mentorship…
- BONUS 25: Mandi’s Monomyth Update — From Chaos to Calling (Originally recorded on Beyond Beauty with Stephanie)
This bonus episode features Mandi's personal testimony, originally aired on 'Beyond Beauty with Stephanie,' detailing her journey of faith, healing from past chaos and shame through Jesus, and the importance of surrender and community over…
- Ep 35 - Rachel: Forgiveness is Freedom (part 2 of 2)
In this second part of a two-part episode, Rachel Leon discusses her journey of healing, faith, and forgiveness. She shares the personal experiences and tools that enabled her to build a life focused on self-worth, family, and faith-based…
- Ep 34 - Rachel: Blessings in Disguise (part 1 of 2)
In this episode of Monomyth Diaries, Rachel discusses her experience growing up in an unstable home and how that trauma eventually led to an unexpected blessing. She reflects on her father's influence on her perspective of people and her p…
- BONUS 24: A Christmas Miracle (The Boons of Rachel's monomyth continue!)
This bonus episode of Monomyth Diaries features Rachel sharing a personal story about a quiet transformation in her marriage, initiated by remorse and humility. The episode highlights how growth can be subtle yet miraculous, emphasizing th…
- Bonus 23: Intangible Blessings, The Gifts We Can't Wrap
In this bonus episode, Mandi, Rachel, and Angie from Monomyth Diaries reflect on intangible gifts such as forgiveness, faith, healing, and friendship, exploring how these unseen blessings foster deep personal transformation.
- BONUS 22: Angie: The Boons of Leadership
In this Monomyth Diaries episode, Angie shares her personal leadership journey, evolving from behind-the-scenes to the mic. She discusses stepping into leadership with confidence and purpose, drawing lessons from her corporate experience a…
- Ep 33 - Melissa: From ICU to Impact (part 2 of 2)
This episode details Melissa's recovery journey, from a critical state to overcoming physical and emotional challenges. She discusses the roles of Scouting, therapy, and community in her healing process and how she now coaches others. Her…
- Ep 32 - Melissa: Hit By A Literal Truck, A Wake Up Call (part 1 of 2)
This episode features Melissa sharing her personal "monomyth," tracing her life from childhood confidence through teenage illness and insecurity to young adulthood marked by heartbreak and destructive choices. The narrative explores the ev…
- BONUS 21: Gratitude for Lessons We’re Carrying Forward
Monomyth Diaries hosts Mandi, Rachel, and Angie reflect on guests and personal experiences that fostered gratitude and transformation during their monomyth journeys. They share stories that shifted perspectives and highlight the importance…
- Ep 31 - Ida: Building More Than Homes
Ida Franklin, owner of Venus Solutions, discusses how her parents' values of hard work, integrity, and giving back influenced her life and led her to build Venus Construction and engage in service. She emphasizes that true success lies in…
- BONUS 20: Farewell Karen, Your Monomyth Continues
In this bonus episode, co-host Karen departs the Monomyth Diaries, reflecting on her journey, the lessons learned from guests, and the personal growth experienced during her time on the podcast.
- Ep 30 - Tyler: The Making of a Mission (part 2 of 2)
This episode follows Tyler's transformative journey from a life of addiction, homelessness, and incarceration to finding healing and redemption. It details her decision to change, her process of inner work, and the faith that fueled her re…
- Ep 29 - Tyler: The Streets to Surrender (part 1 of 2)
In the first part of her Monomyth Diaries journey, Tyler Smith details her childhood marked by abuse and instability, her subsequent descent into addiction and street life, and how incarceration served as a turning point. The episode explo…
- BONUS 19: Rachel: Borrowed Miracle
In this bonus episode of Monomyth Diaries, Mandi and guest Rachel explore the concept of
- Ep 28 - Kaméla: Turning Wounds into Wisdom (part 2 of 2)
This episode features Kaméla
- Ep 27 - Kaméla: Self-doubt to Self-worth (part 1 of 2)
In this episode of Monomyth Diaries, Kaméla shares her experiences with early emotional challenges and unhealthy relationship patterns. She discusses reaching a turning point where she began to challenge her inner voice and the beliefs tha…
- BONUS 18: Menopause Wasn’t in the Manual
Karen and Mandi share their personal experiences with perimenopause and menopause, highlighting the lack of information available and encouraging open conversation about this life stage.
- Ep 26 - Vianey: Purpose from Pain (part 2 of 2)
In this episode, Vianey Mann continues her story, detailing her path through grief and healing after the death of her first husband. She discusses finding resilience, embracing faith, and discovering new beginnings that led to her current…
- Ep 25 - Vianey: What About Me, God? (Part 1 of 2)
In this episode, Vianey Mann recounts her journey from a faith-filled childhood through early adulthood, culminating in the devastating loss of her first husband. She discusses how this tragedy became a catalyst for transformation, explori…
- BONUS 17: For Fun and For Free, The Gift of Service
In this bonus episode, Mandi and Karen discuss the transformative power of acts of service performed without expectation. They share how giving from a place of joy can heal wounds, foster connection, and align individuals with a greater pu…
- Ep 24 - Maaike: Running Toward Myself (part 2 of 2)
This episode of Monomyth Diaries features Maaike's journey of running toward herself, detailing the tools and connections that aided her return. She utilized marathons, friendships, coaching, and meditation as turning points in her process…
- Ep 23 - Maaike: Buried Beneath the Roles (part 1 of 2)
Monomyth Diaries shares Maaike's experience of feeling disconnected from herself and joy after years of prioritizing others. This episode explores the challenges of uncovering one's true identity when suppressed by various life roles.
- BONUS 16: Let’s Avoid Shoulding on Ourselves & Others
In this Monomyth Diaries bonus episode, hosts Mandi and Karen discuss the tendency to impose expectations on ourselves and others using the word "should." They explain how these judgments can hinder growth and offer a perspective on lettin…
- Ep 22 - Stephanie: Finding Beauty from Ashes (part 2 of 2)
In the second part of Stephanie's story on Monomyth Diaries, she details her process of healing and rebuilding after a period of grief and disconnection. Stephanie discusses strengthening her faith, reevaluating her choices, and rediscover…
- Ep 21 - Stephanie: Searching for Stability (part 1 of 2)
Stephanie discusses her life changes, including perimenopause and her daughter moving away, which led to feelings of being lost and alone. She explores how to navigate shifts in identity during times of change.
- Re-release: Ep 13 - Nikki's Boons, To Serve and Inspire (part 2 of 2)
In this episode of Monomyth Diaries, Nikki reflects on the gifts and lessons gained through her faith and self-discovery journey. She explains how confronting her past has facilitated personal healing, growth, and a positive influence on h…
- Re-release: Ep 12 - Nikki's Journey to Faith and Hope (part 1 of 2)
This episode details Nikki's early life, marked by her mother's cancer and her parents' divorce, which led to feelings of powerlessness and a search for stability and meaning.
- Re-release: BONUS 7: Quick Questions, but Big Growth: Mandi & Karen Practice Monomyth Story Starters
In this episode of Monomyth Diaries, hosts Mandi and Karen practice Monomyth Story Starters. This behind-the-scenes recording captures their journey of growth and skill refinement in podcasting.
- Re-release: Ep 9 - Cyndi’s Impact Through Love, Faith, and Success (Part 3 of 3)
In the final part of Cyndi’s journey, she shares the gifts from her trials, emphasizing resilience, faith, and healing. Her experience led to a fulfilling marriage and a career as an entrepreneur mentoring other women.
- Re-release: Ep 7 - Cyndi's Unseen Struggles (part 1)
In this episode, Cyndi recounts her early life within a traditional Vietnamese household and the impact of cultural expectations. She details her journey of overcoming personal struggles, including failed marriages and a crisis of faith, a…
- Re-release: Ep 8 - Cyndi’s Breakthrough and Growth (part 2)
This episode revisits Cyndi’s transformative journey, detailing her breakthrough from societal expectations, her discovery of strength through community and spiritual reawakening, and her subsequent rebuilding of life as an entrepreneur.
- Re-release: BONUS 8: Beyond the Mic: How Monomyth Diaries is Transforming Us
Hosts Karen and Mandi reflect on their personal growth and transformations achieved through creating Monomyth Diaries in 2024. They discuss insights gained from guests and the impact of sharing real stories.
- Re-release: Ep 11 - Christina’s Gifts: Healing, Growth, and Inspiring a Community (part 2/2)
In this episode of Monomyth Diaries, Christina discusses the profound grief of losing a child and the courageous steps taken towards healing and rediscovering purpose. She shares insights on navigating loss while honoring memories and find…
- Rerelease: Ep 10 - Christina: Young Motherhood, Facing Life’s Challenges and Heartbreak (part 1 of 2)
Christina shares her story of becoming a mother at 14 and navigating challenges such as family conflict, poverty, and loss, including the death of her child. The episode focuses on her journey of resilience, healing, and personal growth af…
- BONUS 15: Al-Anon: Support for Families and Friends
This episode features a conversation between Karen and Mandi about Al-Anon, a 12-step program designed for individuals impacted by another person's alcohol consumption. Mandi shares her personal journey with Al-Anon, detailing how it facil…